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Watt Steam Engine
The steam engine developed by the Scotsman James Watt (1736-1819) from 1769 was much more efficient in terms of power and fuel consumption than earlier models, and it significantly increased the possible uses for this key invention of the...
Article
The Steam Engine in the British Industrial Revolution
Steam power was one of the most significant developments of the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840) in Britain. First invented as a pump in the 1690s, a host of inventors tweaked designs and tinkered with machinery until an efficient and powerful...
Definition
Stephenson's Rocket
The Rocket was a pioneering steam-powered locomotive invented in 1829 by the British engineer Robert Stephenson (1803-1859). For a cash prize, extensive competition trials were held to find the best locomotive in the Rainhill Trials. Rocket...
Article
Top 10 Inventions of the Industrial Revolution
The British Industrial Revolution transformed life at work and at home for practically everyone. Noise, pollution, social upheaval, and repetitive jobs were the price to pay for labour-saving machines, cheap and comfortable transportation...
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Internal Teak Staircase at the Jim Thompson House Museum
Internal teak staircase and Italian marble black and white tiles at the Jim Thompson House Museum in Bangkok, Thailand. The house was built in c. 1959 CE and incorporated six traditional teak houses that were brought down the canals or khlongs...
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Watt & Boulton Steam Engine
A Watt & Boulton steam engine, one of the key innovations of the Industrial Revolution. Dating to 1788, this example is the oldest original rotative steam engine in the world. Designed and built by James Watt (1736-1819) and Matthew Boulton...
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A Rotary Motion Steam Engine Model
A model of a rotary motion steam engine based on those built by James Watt (1736-1819) during the Industrial Revolution. Harnessing steam power in a wheel made the engines much more versatile than the older vertical piston engines.
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Newcomen Steam Engine Diagram
A diagram showing the essential design features of the early atmospheric steam engine designed by Thomas Newcomen (1664-1729) during the Industrial Revolution. Heated water (blue) creates steam (pink) which has a much great volume. When the...
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James Watt Working on the Steam Engine
An 1869 etching showing the Scottish instrument worker James Watt (1736-1819) developing a new design of steam engine in the 1760s and 1770s during the Industrial Revolution.
Definition
British Industrial Revolution
The British Industrial Revolution (1760-1840) brought innovative mechanisation and deep social change. The process saw the invention of steam-powered machines, which were used in factories in ever-growing urban centres. Agriculture remained...